Style | Beauty

I understand Valentines Day isn’t a major holiday for a lot of lovers, but I do believe that any excuse to be intentionally sweet or sexy for your significant other is a good occasion. I probably won’t be celebrating next Wednesday night because ya girl has a 10 pm bedtime, but I do plan to do a nice date night that weekend. Whether you’re going out, staying in, or celebrating with your girl friends – here are some super cute Valentines Day options!

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As much as I love to give gifts, I’m really beginning to despise these gifting holidays. Nate’s birthday is December 1st, then Christmas 24 days later – now Valentines Day! If I didn’t know any better I’d say that boy was spoiled LOL. I’m leaning towards getting him a denim jacket with a few custom patches, or something unique like these coasters or a “What I love about you” book. We like to believe that Valentines Day is meant for us ladies, but it’s always a sweet gesture to gift your boo with something as well. Here are some gift options for your valentine below –

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If you follow me on Instagram, you already know I preach about switching skincare regimens with the seasons. When the temperature changes, my skin can easily go from oily to dry, from sensitive to rough. It’s my job to make sure I’m nourishing not just my face, but all of my skin in a way that’s sufficient. As I get older, taking care of my skin has become much more of a priority than it was in my early 20’s when I was lucky if I even took my makeup off before bed. Now that I know better, I try my best to do better – but little did I know, I was doing so much wrong. I’m partnering with Dove Advanced Care to share my skincare essentials and talk about why Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant is a great place to start.

I made the mistake of ignoring the fact that I have pretty sensitive skin, so when my skin would react to products that weren’t good for it I accepted it as normal instead of taking heed to the red flags. I originally switched over to Dove Advanced Care for the 48-hour odor and wetness protection it promised since my workdays are so unpredictable! I was in for such a surprise after experiencing added skin care benefits for softer, smoother underarms. I started with the Soothing Chamomile since I was experiencing irritation from over-shaving and uncomfortable fabrics, and eventually darker underarms as a result of that. It only took a week for to see an improvement in the texture and coloration of my skin. I now rotate between the Soothing Chamomile and the Beauty Finish that literally leaves your skin sparkling.

Dove Dermatologist, Dr. Alicia Barba, shared three easy implementable changes with me that you can make in the Fall and Winter that will make big differences when Spring rolls around. Check them out below!

Care For Your Underarms

I was so rough on my underarms without even realizing it. I’d shave them at the sight of any sort of hair and never moisturize them. Underarm skin is sensitive and an area that shouldn’t be overlooked, Dr. Barba says. I didn’t realize until recently that textures and fabrics in sweaters, undergarments and t-shirts can irritate your skin. Underneath all those layers, you’ll need a product that keeps you hydrated and protected. Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant is formulated with moisturizers to help alleviate irritation and leave you with softer and smoother underarms. I’d show you before and after photos but I’m too embarrassed LOL!

Quit Over-Exfoliating

I have no idea why I assumed that scrubbing my face to death would eliminate blemishes, when in fact it did the opposite. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its essential oils leading to breakouts, especially in the dryer, colder months. A misconception is that rubbing off dead skin cells daily will improve skin, when it actually can dehydrate it. Now I use a gel cleanser daily and a beaded exfoliator only twice a week.

Don’t Just Moisturize What Can Be Seen

Am I the only one who only moisturizers what can be seen, like my hands and ankles? LOL! When the weather allows us to wear less, we moisturize more – but it can be easy to neglect our covered areas when we swap in our less-revealing winter wardrobes. You want to make sure you don’t forget to care for your neck, chest, hands, and anywhere else all year long. Moisturize beyond the face. Fall and winter are the time to give extra care to the areas you tend to neglect. Come spring, your healthy skin will thank you.

Less is More

When my skin would give me trouble, particularly my face, I would go overboard with products, scrubbing and washing when what I needed was so much less. My new routine, recommended by Dr. Barba, is as simple as washing my face before bed, applying a retinol, then moisturizing my face, neck, chest and hands.

How do you care for your skin during colder months? Share in a comment below!

*This post is in partnership with Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant. All opinions are my own.*